Because the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar has shared his ideas on what the perfect Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking part in XI ought to seem like. PBKS, who’ve persistently underperformed within the IPL over time, wish to break their playoff drought and mount a critical title problem this time. With a revamped squad that includes a mixture of skilled worldwide stars and thrilling younger Indian expertise, PBKS has the potential to be one of many darkish horses this season.
Talking on Star Sports activities, Bangar supplied a structured breakdown of PBKS’ very best taking part in XI, taking into consideration batting depth, all-round choices, and a robust bowling assault.
1. Opening pair: Energy-hitters to set the tone
George Garton & Prabhsimran Singh
Bangar believes that PBKS ought to open with George Garton and Prabhsimran Singh to maximise their explosive begins. Garton, the England left-hander, is thought for his aggressive batting type and skill to tackle pacers within the powerplay. His attacking method on the high may give Punjab a flying begin.
On the different finish, Prabhsimran Singh has been one in every of PBKS’ most promising younger abilities. His skill to play fearless cricket and tackle spinners within the center overs makes him a key participant on the high. If this opening pair clicks, Punjab Kings can put up massive totals or chase down daunting targets with ease.
2. Center order: Stability and firepower
No. 3 – Shreyas Iyer
At No. 3, Shreyas Iyer brings expertise, calmness, and the flexibility to anchor the innings. Having gained the IPL title as KKR’s captain final season, Iyer is now Punjab’s chief and can play an important position in guiding the group together with his management and constant performances. His skill to speed up after settling in might be very important in holding the innings collectively.
No. 4 – Shashank Singh
Bangar backs Shashank Singh for the No. 4 slot, citing his spectacular home performances. Shashank has been a dependable middle-order batter in home cricket and is thought for his skill to deal with strain. His inclusion ensures that Punjab has somebody who can take in strain and construct partnerships.
No. 5 – Glenn Maxwell
The X-factor within the Punjab Kings lineup, Glenn Maxwell is available in at No. 5. Maxwell’s return to PBKS provides immense worth to their center order. His skill to play outrageous pictures, change gears effortlessly, and contribute together with his off-spin makes him probably the most harmful gamers in T20 cricket. If Maxwell finds his rhythm, he can single-handedly change the course of a match inside a number of overs.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer discloses his preferred batting position for the franchise
3. All-rounders: The spine of PBKS
No. 6 – Marcus Stoinis
One other key addition to PBKS, Marcus Stoinis, will slot in at No. 6. The Australian all-rounder is a dependable power-hitter and a helpful medium-pacer. Stoinis gives depth to each batting and bowling, making him a useful asset in crunch conditions. His ending skill might be essential for Punjab within the final 5 overs.
No. 7 – Marco Jansen
At No. 7, Bangar picks South African left-arm pacer and all-rounder Marco Jansen. Jansen brings selection to the bowling assault and gives depth within the decrease order together with his clear hitting. His left-arm tempo will be significantly efficient in troubling opposition batters, and his peak offers him an added benefit.
4. Bowling assault: A mix of expertise and younger expertise
No. 8 – Harpreet Brar
A dependable left-arm spinner, Harpreet Brar might be Punjab’s major spin choice alongside Maxwell and Chahal. He has confirmed himself as a wicket-taking choice within the center overs and can even contribute with the bat in late-order partnerships.
No. 9 – Yuzvendra Chahal
Considered one of IPL’s biggest spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal, would be the lead spinner in Punjab’s bowling assault. Chahal’s expertise and skill to deceive batters together with his flight and variations make him a vital weapon for PBKS, particularly in spin-friendly circumstances. His presence offers Punjab a real wicket-taking menace within the center overs.
No. 10 – Arshdeep Singh
Punjab’s most constant bowler lately, Arshdeep Singh will lead the tempo assault. Arshdeep has been one in every of India’s finest death-over bowlers, and his skill to bowl yorkers underneath strain makes him an important a part of the group. With Jansen and Stoinis supporting him, PBKS could have a well-rounded tempo assault.
No. 11 – A younger Indian pacer (to be chosen primarily based on circumstances)
For the ultimate bowling spot, Bangar suggests selecting a younger Indian pacer relying on the circumstances and match-ups. PBKS have a number of choices, together with Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Sen, who may complement the assault. This spot will present Punjab with an additional tempo choice, guaranteeing flexibility within the taking part in XI.
